UPDATE -- 2:32 p.m.: I understand that Cherokee Orchard Road was opened, but later than anticipated. I know that delay may have changed the hiking plans of some people. I know the Park Service road crews have had their hands full with a big mess down there and are doing the best they can.

We don't have any more weather or trail-related news to supersede what I reported this morning to give you an early glimpse. It's still beautifully sunny up at the lodge, and the temperature has risen from 9 to 22 degrees. I don't expect we'll leap too far above that today, but it's nice not to have snow driven into your face.

Also, we don't mean in any way to disparage any of the hikers who've found themselves in trouble. Almost always, they are friendly, appreciative people (as was the case last night). In fact, last night's group made a wise decision to bring good gear. I believe it saved at least one of their lives. We post the accounts to let you know that difficulty can happen even to skilled hikers on LeConte.

Most of the year LeConte is a fairly forgiving mountain, tolerating bravado without extracting too much payment. However, winter is a different story. It reminds me of trying to pick a horse to move cattle for the first time when I wrangled in Hawaii. I had my eye on one, a strong grey horse. My boss told me, "A horse has to know it's working for you. Some horses you can cowboy. But that horse, he will cowboy back." LeConte in the winter will "cowboy back."

Difficulty this time of year can kill you (and us). It's a big weight for me to ask my crew to put their lives on the line and hike out into the darkness for four hours in 12-degree temperatures in 22 inches of snow on an unbroken trail with hidden edges and no rangers available until morning for a rescue. We'd all like to make it home and celebrate Thanksgiving with our families, too.

On a lighter note, we're trying to upload some LeConte Lodge video clips to ABC's World News Tonight for use on their national broadcast this evening. The technology is iffy, and we're keeping our fingers crossed. Snow photos from yesterday were picked up across the country, turning Brad and Jeanie into mountain celebrities. Happy trails.UPDATE -- 9:15 a.m.: Good morning to all of you. It's a beautiful morning on Mt. LeConte, but deadly cold and windy. This is Nathan again, and I'll try to give you an update on LeConte Lodge operations. After consultation with the Park Service and its road crews, it appears LeConte Lodge will reopen today with Rainbow Falls as the ONLY available trail to the lodge.

Park officials hope to have Cherokee Orchard Road open by 9 a.m., providing access to Rainbow and Bullhead Trails. After four hours on the trail, we returned last night at 2:30 a.m. from a night rescue to prevent a fatality on Bullhead Trail. Do not use any other trail than Rainbow Falls Trail. Keep in mind that if you're going to attempt the hike up it will be one of the most difficult days of the season. We have howling winds with a current temperature of 9 degrees, pushing our wind chill well below 0. Saturday's high was 17 degrees. We ended up with a storm snow total of 22 inches. The forecast is improving, but expect cold conditions and difficult trails for a while.

The road crew expects to open U.S. Highway 441 this afternoon, but it will be too late to use to access Alum Cave Bluff or Boulevard Trails and reach the lodge safely. Under no circumstance today should anyone use any other trail to LeConte Lodge other than Rainbow Falls Trail.

Note that since we switched to Standard Time last night, it will be getting darker even earlier than you're used to. Sunset tonight will be at 5:39 p.m. If you are an excellent hiker, have good winter gear (including ice traction devices) and accept the risk of what can easily happen on the trail in these conditions (including death), then begin hiking up Rainbow Falls Trail as soon as possible. Park service officials also want to warn people about the danger of fallen hazards from the forest canopy, especially as the wind is blowing up in the higher elevations.

We've had two consecutive nights that we've headed off a potentially fatal situation in these brutal conditions. Both of these folks are alive and being cared for at the lodge, but my heroic crew is worn out. If you have any questions at all about your ability, please come back to see us another day. I'll try to provide another update later as the work schedule allows. Happy trails.

Snow drifted up against a window on Lodge 1, the oldest existing building on the mountain.

Thanks, Nathan, for all you folks do up there. You, too, stay safe and warm...

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Laurie and Rick Funderburk

11/2/2014 01:21:18 am

We are thinking about all of you - thanks for keeping us updated and try to stay safe and warm!

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Gene

11/2/2014 01:44:33 am

Nathan, don't forget to turn your clocks and watches back an hour as we have gone to Eastern Standard today. Dang it.

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Rick Shepherd

11/2/2014 01:53:47 am

Thank You, Nathan and all the crew at LeConte Lodge during these dangerous times.....And at All times!.....Hope to see you in 2015!

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Mary Merrill

11/2/2014 01:03:57 am

Thanks for rescuing people, but how do you know they are out there? Stay warm!

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High on LeConte

11/2/2014 02:34:31 pm

Mary,

That's an excellent question. Our best information about hikers in trouble comes from other hikers who've passed them on the trail. However, we learned about last night's situation from a late-night phone call from the Park Service. The folks in trouble on the trail were able to send text messages to the dispatchers. That's how we initially learned about their location and difficulty. Thanks for reading.

Love getting updates from LeConte! It's a nice treat to retweet and post on FB to our Flat Landers in the Piedmont of NC. Piedmont Spotter Group is a group of folks that storm spot and support Charlotte Regional Skywarn.

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Linda B

11/2/2014 01:14:10 am

Such great advice from you --- sure hope everyone is listening ! And all of you were mentioned on Good Morning America this morning --- with a pic of the 22 inches of snow up there....... we have hiked up in the snow before and rick hikes up each jan to relieve your winter caretaker------- sure hope anyone that attempts it today takes all of your advice and there are no more rescues !!

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Harold Duckett

11/2/2014 01:19:59 am

Nathan,
Thanks for staff's heroic efforts to keep, careless, dumb, stupid and unfortunate people from killing themselves. I'm sure those efforts were not in your job descriptions.

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Barb

11/2/2014 06:24:48 am

I don't think anyone intends to be careless, dumb or stupid...accidents happen.

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Harold Duckett

11/2/2014 08:20:35 am

People who go into the backcountry in cotton jeans, no food or water and no protective gear don't classify as accidents. Carelessness at best.

Donna Pierce

11/2/2014 01:21:57 am

Thanks for the updates. I try to read them at least once a week.

Thanks for all you and the crew have done and continue to do to ensure the safety of us hikers. . .I think I get to call myself a hiker now!

I can hardly wait to return to the mountains with my agenda in hand!

The sun is shining and it is a cool 32 here in Mississippi.

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norma p

11/2/2014 01:22:54 am

I love the pictures, but as of late there have been to much talk and not enough pictures.

Norma, you don't seem to realize that this blog is not just for entertaining everyone with beautiful photos, but also for providing critically important information about current conditions on the mountain. We have just experienced an exceptionally severe and unseasonable snowstorm, and the top priority is to keep people informed about road and trail conditions.

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Duke & Robin Meyer

11/2/2014 01:26:19 am

Wow! Amazing snowstorm indeed... Thank you for the updates and all that you do for all the visitors to Mt. LeConte! Stay warm & safe.

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High on LeConte

11/2/2014 02:37:59 pm

Dear Duke and Robin,

Good to hear from you. I think I'd have plowed through that snow a little faster with some of that fine baklava you so kindly sent us earlier. It's always nice to have you up to see us. Hope your Indiana autumn was wonderful. Happy trails.

Nathan

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H

11/2/2014 01:45:21 am

Cherokee Orchard Rd is still closed at this time. Looks like there's a handful of us hanging out waiting for it to open.

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john lenoir

11/2/2014 02:01:23 am

Tell Jim Giles and Bill Skaggs to relax, enjoy, and take another day off in paradise. Patrick and I wish we were there with you.Miracle win last night in Columbia reminded me of the 1998 Vol victory over Razorbacks and we saw it all on the 3 inch TV in the LeConte dining hall.

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Kent

11/2/2014 02:02:42 am

It never ceases to amaze me how people can be so utterly clueless about how dangerous the current conditions in the Smokies can be. You would think common sense and the instinct of self-preservation would guide you in the absence of experience and knowledge. I hope those rescued this weekend deeply appreciate the efforts and dedication of the LeConte Lodge staff. They have incurred a debt they cannot possibly repay.

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Julie T.

11/2/2014 02:06:07 am

Amen!

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jeand

11/2/2014 05:28:23 am

As they say " You can fix almost anything with duct tape except stupid" It seems if people don't heed the most sensible thing to do that they are just that.

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jeand

11/2/2014 08:03:13 am

Or maybe they just make incredibly poor choices. Hope their choices don't put any of our heroic Mt LeConte staff or rangers at risk any more.

bryan

11/3/2014 04:01:11 am

and Jenny B's mouth !

Elisabeth

11/2/2014 06:39:18 am

well said, Kent...well said!

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Jenny H.

11/2/2014 02:29:04 am

We are looking for advice on coming up tomorrow. At this time, based on what we have read, there is much concern in our group especially since we anticipate there will be refreezing of the melting on the trails which will make things even more treacherous.

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D

11/2/2014 02:52:32 am

Have seen Saturday's pictures from here on the Today show and Good Morning America this morning. Keep safe and thanks for the updates!

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elaine

11/2/2014 03:02:01 am

Bless all of you angels who put yourself at risk to rescue those too foolish to know when to not make the climb!

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JB

11/2/2014 03:07:42 am

Cherokee Orchard still closed as of 11:00 am

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Jeff Carr

11/2/2014 03:13:43 am

Checking on the status of Greg B and Ray T who were part of the group y'all got early this AM

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AV

11/2/2014 03:30:08 am

Finally gave up waiting on Cherokee Orchard to open at 11:30. Maybe next time.

I want to add another word of thanks to you staffers at LeConte for being there to advise, warn, ward off, and ultimately rescue those who venture out nevertheless and get caught by the vagaries of strong storms and high altitudes. I hope someday to meet you and thank you in person, although not under those circumstances!

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SB

11/2/2014 06:37:39 am

Any news on Cherokee Orchard road opening? Last I heard was that it was still closed. But that was around 12.

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Erin

11/2/2014 07:47:25 am

My fiancé and I will be hiking up on Tuesday morning to spend the night in one of the cabins. Are you advising people to not come in the next few day? We are unsure what to do at this point.

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Jenny H.

11/2/2014 07:53:03 am

We are scheduled to hike up tomorrow, but from what we have been able to learn on Twitter and here, I do not think the prospects look good for Monday. Also, if you look at the temperature right now in Gatlinburg at 51 and the temperature at LeConte at 22 degrees, we think there's a good probability that Rainbow Falls will be covered with ice and still a lot of debris tomorrow. We still have not seen any reports from anyone who has hiked back down.

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Woody

11/2/2014 08:01:12 am

Mountains are not dangerous but they are terribly unforgiving of the least bit of neglect or ignorance.

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Jenny H

11/2/2014 08:20:04 am

Actually, I have been on Alum Cave trail when a storm came up that was not forecasted. Winds picked up; rain and sleet ensued. A tree came down in front of me right across the trail. It was about three seconds before I would have been in that spot. That act of nature would have had nothing to do with neglect or ignorance. Likewise, ice or snow can result in an accident that even the most experienced hiker might not anticipate. Making an intelligent choice as to whether or not to hike trumps experience and gear any day.

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Sherri

11/2/2014 09:21:12 am

Hi guys, I hope you are safe and as warm as possible. It's sure been an eventful few days up there. We are scheduled to visit you Tuesday and I see that fortunately, there will be a big warming trend. Even though it is predicted to be 50, I'm guessing there will still be residual snow and yak tracks are recommended? Also, any guesses if Alum will be open? We've gone up both Alum and Rainbow (in the snow), but I'd prefer Alum unless it's deemed too risky. Thanks for any beta and we hope to see you Tuesday.

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CG

11/2/2014 09:39:13 am

Is the J Giles/B Skaggs party staying Sunday night or did they hike down today?

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Bill Skaggs

11/19/2014 03:05:40 pm

We did not hike down until Sunday, but that was by design. We had a reservation for both Friday and Saturday nights.

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Ioanna Dafermou

11/2/2014 09:51:49 am

Hi Nathan..
My name is Ioanna Dafermou, I work for The Weather Channel. We would like to invite you on the broadcast tomorrow morning..
Please e-mail us at newsdesk@weather.com or call us at 770-226-2119

Thanks!

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Mike

11/2/2014 10:27:36 am

My wife and I were in the group of 11 that came down Rainbow on Saturday. We left at 10:00 AM and it took the first five of us 71/2 hours arriving at 5:30 PM in the parking lot where we left our car. Five of us went ahead to keep making a path (while we still had light) and left 3 at the falls to wait for the last 3 hikers in their party(we estimated that they were 30-45 min. behind). Except for the last 1-2 miles we were walking through 2-3 ft. of snow as well as shaking off snow from the rhododendron branches that were blocking the path. At times we had to crawl under them or go around. We paused briefly for a standing lunch. As long as we were moving we weren't too cold. We heard and saw several trees fall. We did not encounter ice but the rocks were very slippery (and you can't see them under the snow). By the end of the hike we were soaked. The waterproof pants were a lifesaver and walking sticks prevented more than a few falls. We did not have spikes, but if there had been ice they would have been beneficial. We were grateful to be with fellow hikers and expect that the last 6 made it back safely by the time their first three made it back with a car. We are thankful for those at home who were praying for us.

Thank you for letting us know, Mike. We wondered how it turned out for you. I was in the Alum Cave group. We all got down together in 6 1/2 hours.

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Donna Cuic

11/2/2014 10:34:20 am

I just seen it on ABC news... the video made it thru!

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Lori

11/2/2014 10:35:19 am

Just saw that ABC World News story with the lodge in it! Awesome! Everyone stay safe!

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David

11/2/2014 11:31:00 am

I and another fellow came down Saturday morning with the big group down Alum Cave trail. Me and him switched (later with a guy named John) on and off leading/blazing the trail. The drifts were the highest I've ever seen. We met and talked with the two guys who came unprepared. Let me tell you, we stayed in the shelter on Friday night and it was FRIGID. Snow kept blowing through onto our sleeping bags, but the mice helped keep us warm. Glad the families following us made it back safely. We have pictures from the trail if anyone would like them.

David! You and your buddy were the ONLY reason we got down the trail. We are so thankful. Our group will always remember you.

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norman

11/3/2014 12:28:33 am

That picture of 'the bridger mtn. range' is beautiful!

Missy

11/3/2014 12:38:34 am

I would enjoy seeing your trail pics. What an amazing hike.

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John LeClair

11/2/2014 12:02:01 pm

I saw the ABC feature. Tim looked real comfortable in the snow.

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gene and carol ohio state

11/2/2014 12:10:57 pm

Nathan and Crew
Thanks for all you do . Stay safe and keep warm . We appreciate all the hard work it takes to keep Mt Leconte running on a good day let alone a nasty snow storm.. We will keep you'all in our prayers.
Look forward to seeing you again.

PS thanks for our rescue five years ago.

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High on LeConte

11/2/2014 02:45:12 pm

Dear Gene and Carol,

We are fortunate to boast the best guests in the Smokies at LeConte Lodge. Even in that elite group, your love for the lodge is special and always welcome. I've never not been glad to see you since we met on that cold trail in 2010. All the best to you and your family. Happy trails always.

Nathan

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Steve D

11/2/2014 01:48:41 pm

This is to Jenny H and Erin and anyone else thinking about going up in the next few days. Not knowing your winter hiking experience-your fitness- or the quality of your equipment- I can tell you this- I have hiked to Mt Leconte many times in the winter and I would not do it under these conditions. For goodness sakes-people have almost died in the last couple of days! Don't you hear the alarm in Nathan's posts? Nothing about the conditions have improved. Please pay heed to what is being said or you may pay a terrible price for making a mistake.

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Jenny H

11/2/2014 02:15:30 pm

Thank you, Steve. We have decided not to go. Although they had posted that the lodge was reopened as of today, there was really nothing that even noted that the hikers from Friday had all departed and it certainly did seem that they did not want guests to make the trip. We had planned to come because of the higher temperatures, but Nathan's posts along with the pictures of the lodge definitely made our decisions for us.

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Amy Styles

11/2/2014 02:26:06 pm

Steve, I am a member of the Jenny H. crew and we've wisely but with great disappointment decided not to attempt trek to LeConte tomorrow. Have been looking forward to this needed breather for weeks, but of course Mt. LeConte is worth waiting on for months…so here's to hiking up in 2015! Staff, stay safe; and hikers, be smart!

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Kent

11/2/2014 02:31:10 pm

So given the dangerous conditions, why doesn't the corporation that runs LeConte Lodge just keep the operation shut down until conditions are safer? That was a rhetorical question – the answer is money, of course. (I suspect I'll be banned from ever posting again on this blog for saying that.)

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boyd

11/2/2014 09:23:02 pm

I'm glad they keep it open, for people that like a challenge, instead of taking away your choice. Having said that, I will be calling the sevierville office to see if it will be substantially better by wednesday. I am not inclined to put myself through torture just because I paid for it. The weather is always one of the risks of a booking like this. And the lodge is likely better run as a business concession than a government concession-in my opinion-now we learned corporations are people after all-people that save you on a brutal night, putting themselves at peril.

Kent

11/3/2014 03:04:31 am

Sure, it's nice that the lodge remains open for the seasoned hiker. Perhaps my comment was out of line. I just get concerned for the staff members who execute these rescue mission, and can’t help but feel it would be better to suspend lodge operations until conditions are less dangerous.

My apologies for my comment. I should never post when I'm tired and agitated.

Steve

11/2/2014 09:38:15 pm

Hey Nathan, or whoever might be reading this.

My daughter and myself are hiking up to see you guys next Monday. In your experience and knowledge of mountain, will trails be OK to hike up.? In particular Alum Cave??? Thanks and hope we are able to make it.

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Steve D

11/2/2014 10:11:45 pm

Jenny/Amy- I think you have made the right decision for sure. The problem with the lure of higher temperatures is the mountain especially the upper section is that it changes very slowly. For example- right now it is 25 in sevierville-probably about 20 at the trailhead and mid to low teens or worse at the lodge. Your main hiking hours will still be in the frigid temps.

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Steve D

11/2/2014 10:48:29 pm

To Steve who asked the question about hiking with his daughter next Monday. Read this blog every day and you will start to get an idea of the conditions for next week. I can just about guarantee you that on the upper section of the mountain there will still be some snow and ice will be more of a concern because of melting-re freezing. You should definitely have traction devices for your hiking shoes/boots. I also recommend hiking poles for all hiking in snow and ice. Traction devices such as yak track or Kahtoola micro spikes. Keep asking questions and learn as much as you can then you can make a better decision.

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Donnie R

11/3/2014 12:11:51 am

In spite of the harsh weather, and the rescue efforts of the great crew up top, the latest posts by all have been very enjoyable to read ! This is why I make this site my first stop in the mornings and this mtn. my destination every yr. Thanks to all ;)

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norman

11/3/2014 12:31:42 am

Never seen so much snow on the pourch! Off course, never been there in winter snow!!

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LeConte Lodge

Welcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain!